Why is heat pump maintenance important?
As a homeowner, you want everything in your home to work properly and to its maximum efficiency. This doesn’t just mean your TV, WiFi, or smart technology products. This includes your kitchen appliances, washer and dryer,r and also your HVAC unit.
You mostly likely clean out the dryer filter every time you use it or change out the water filter in your refrigerator when it’s time. Well, the same goes for your HVAC Unit. Your HVAC System is an integral part of keeping your home comfortable and clean. The filters help purify the air and the heating and cooling make your home liveable and accommodating during the winter or summer months.
In the past, we’ve discussed how your HVAC system works, types of heating and cooling systems, humidifiers (Read our article: What is the Best HVAC Home Humidifier?), and how your unit's SEER rating saves you energy. Today we will be discussing the importance of maintaining your heat pump.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is not just for heat; it is actually a heating and cooling system that runs on electricity and has a unit outside and inside of the home (similar to a whole-house air conditioner or mini split system).
Also like an air conditioner, it does not create cold or hot air. It recirculates air and then heats or cools it. In the cooler months, it pulls heat energy from the outside and transfers it inside. In the summer months, it pulls the heat energy from inside and transfers it outside.
An advantage of having this system is that you have no need to install two separate systems. You won’t need a furnace or gas heater. These units are typically installed in moderate climates that don’t experience a lot of below-freezing weather. But the technology has advanced in recent years and it is becoming more popular even in the colder climates with the addition of an electric heat strip.
These systems are more environmentally friendly because they run off electricity and not fossil fuels like gas or oil. You will increase your energy efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, lower your energy bill and you will be able to take advantage of a heat pump tax credit!
Maintaining the system for maximum efficiency
To ensure that your system is running properly and as efficiently as possible you want to service it at least 2 times a year.
If you don’t it can mean the difference between a well-maintained heat pump running at 10% energy consumption to a non-maintained one running at 25% energy consumption. 15% can make a huge difference in your energy costs and carbon footprint.
Doing regular maintenance checks can also save your compressor, and your system from small issues that could eventually lead to expensive fixes or replacements.
It is best to call your HVAC Specialist for heat pump maintenance 2 times a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Having it inspected will ensure that your system is running at its maximum efficiency and is ready to go for the summer and winter months!
In between system inspections do the following to keep your system running smoothly:
- Dust around the registers and keep the vent areas free of dust and debris
- Don’t place anything in front of the registers and heat pump
- Replace the filters according to their directions
- Keep the outdoor unit clean and free of debris, leaves, snow, and anything else that might impede its efficiency.
Schedule your inspection, today!
Springtime means it’s time to schedule your HVAC Maintenance check for the summer! Here at Valley Heating and Cooling, we are experienced professionals who are dedicated and here to help you breathe better and live comfortably all year round. We are the top Madison, AL heating and cooling professionals and we are proud to serve northern and central Alabama. Call us today to schedule your inspection!
If you aren’t within our service area search for “HVAC Installation Near Me” or “Heat Pump Maintenance Near Me” to find an HVAC company and schedule your inspection with a specialist.